Yeah baby!!

Imagine my insane.....er...great delight when I was checking out Charlaine Harris' website and discovered this awesome cover for the next Sookie book. Plus....wait for it......the first chapter is up!!
Head on over to Ms. Harris' website and check it out.

Besos!

Merry Christmas and A Winner

Hey everyone! It's Christmas! Hope you all are having a great one wherever you are today.

The winner (according to random.org) for a copy of Wicked Lovely, Ink Exchange, and Fragile Eternity is....cue drum roll......throuthehaze! Congrats Raelena! E-mail me at brk.nlssn@gmail.com with your address.

Thanks for playing all and if you didn't win don't worry, there will be more contests in the new year.

Muah!

Winter Memories

This is from when I lived in NC. I miss it there. We had a lovely house and a great neighbourhood.











Thanks for looking. Hope your holidays are beautiful this year no matter where you are :)

It Has Arrived!!

Ok, since the lion is out of the bag, as it were, I can now show you what I got Ilona Andrews for Christmas. TA DA!



Isn't he adorable? And as Ilona said, "He's PINK. And he SINGS." LOL. I want one for myself soooooo very bad. Maybe if I'm naughty....er...nice then Santa will bring me one. ;)

Hehehe

So, my sis and I were in the bookstore the other night, just browsin. She's sooo not into paranormal and vamps and all that delisciousness. Anyway, I go to One Foot In The Grave since there's like 500 copies on the shelf and pick it up. I tell her that I'm gonna read Ch 32 because it's legendary and she grabs the book from me. She starts reading. At any point I was waiting for her to put the book back, telling me that it just wasn't her style, but she kept reading. I try to talk to her and she shushes me. So I wander off to browse the UF section. I come back and she's still reading with a rapt look on her cute lil face. She grabs another book and tells me what page she's on, so we can read together. After the scene ends, she puts the book down and with a glazed look in her eyes says, "Let's go get chocolate chip cookies. I need chocolate chip cookies."

Congrats Ms. Frost, you have popped her vampire cherry ;)

Review: The Year of Living Shamelessly

So, I did not finish this book. And rather than get into a rant (which is very tempting to do) about all the reasons why I didn't finish, I'm going to keep it simple. Basically, I hated the characters and didn't give a shit what happened to them. I didn't even read the sex scenes to see if they made up for everything. I just didn't like anyone in this book enough to finish. I did check the ending to see if they all were killed in a massive and tragic explosion, but sadly, this was not to be.

Review of Seducing St. Nic by Emma Petersen

I had already read Master of the Game, a novella by Emma Petersen and LOVED IT. So when she asked me if I'd like a copy of Seducing St. Nic, her holiday novella, I said, "Bring it on sista."
Here's the blurb:

Book 1 in Dating the Undead series.



Barbara Jean Ruiz’s life has never been what anyone would call glamorous. She lives in an okay apartment, in an okay neighborhood and has an okay job with less-than-okay wages. Her life is…okay.



Then her luck starts to change. She wins a gorgeous fur coat. She gets promoted and her new boss is none other than the super-sexy St. Nic. Cypriano San Nicolo is everything a woman could want. He’s tall, dark, handsome, rich, successful and, oh yeah, the evil undead.



After nearly a century of self-imposed sleep, St. Nic has only two uses for humans—blood and sex. Until he meets Barbara Jean, his irreverent, wisecracking assistant. If he shows up at her apartment just before dawn, she’ll have to take him in. Into her bed, if everything goes as planned.

Seducing St Nic stars Barbara Jean, Barbie to her family, and her hot hot boss, Cypriano San Nicolo, also known as St. Nic to our plucky heroine. I like Barbara Jean for the most part. She did get lost talking to her "bad Barbara Jean" a lot and that wasn't quite as funny as I think it was meant to be, but otherwise she's smart, funny and loving. Our hero is a bit enigmatic for most of the story, and while he's definitely a yummy alpha man, he's not so alpha that you just want to rip his dick off and stab him with it. The sex is hawt and the characters are interesting, even the side characters. It's hard for me to say too much about this because it's a novella and hard not to give away too many spoilers; however, I will say that Ms. Petersen is great at the art of writing a pretty complete story in the confines of a novella. Yes, there are going to be unanswered or unshown aspects of the story, but it always feels satisfying and pretty complete within itself and that's a rare talent. I like that her leads, especially the female protagonist, have families and friends and actual lives when the stories start. It makes them feel more fleshed out and interesting to me as a reader.

In the end, I didn't like this one quite as much as I did Master of the Game. Master of the Game would earn an A- from me while Seducing St. Nic gets a solid B.

I definitely recommend both and you can find them both at Ellora's Cave as e-books.

A link to Seducing St Nic here

And one for Master of the Game here

Dueling Review With My Hunny Wendy

So recently I was dared, double dog dared even, to read Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh. The leader of the peer pressure pack was none other than my hunny Wendy from over at The Book Lush. So, naturally I gave in because I can deny my long distance lover nothing at all, but I said she had to come over here and do a review with me.
The thing is I've been calling and calling and she's not showing up. If that chick ditched me for some Fabio reject.....

W: Okay, okay, I'm here! I fell asleep - again, I know!



B: Honestly, Wendy, try to stay awake. We’re doin a review here, for fricks’ sake.

So, I'd better get started before sleeping sexy dozes on me again:


So, Wends, What did you think of the main characters Elena and Raphael?



W: I thought that Elena was pretty kickass, but also had her vulnerabilities so it kind of balances it out nicely. She's incredibly caring of her friends, while at first, anyone would probably think she's a huge bitch. I absolutely loved her character, same with Raphael. There's only one word to describe him: YUM. What did you think?



B: I, honestly, didn't think Elena was a bitch. She definitely is tough, and she's loyal to her friends and cares about innocents. Raphael honestly took me longer to like. Like, 2/3 of the book. I just couldn't get into him til towards the end. I like alpha and even somewhat asshole protagonists at times, but he was just a cold bastard. I think the whole angel set up didn't help it for me.


Speaking of which, what did you think of the world and how the angels were handled in this book?

W: I'm not saying she was a bitch, bad choice of words. She's just completely kick ass and doesn't take crap from anybody and I'm a huge fan of such heroines. Oh, please, even when Raphael is a cold bastard, you can't help but think he's yummy, admit it! Okay, I full-on had a huge crush on him from the beginning and when he "defrosted" he became even more attractive!


I think the plot behind vampires being pretty much angels' slaves was so interesting and refreshing! I haven't read anything like that before. It makes sense to a hierarchy of a sort with Archangels on the top and vampires at the bottom, not counting humans, that is!


B: I agree that the Angel Hierarchy was interesting and the connection between Angels and Vamps was unique and made a strange sort of sense, but I wasn't huge on the world. The whole, OMG! They are soooo beautiful that they make me stupid and they're sooo rich and they're soooo powerful and they're kinda the mob, it made me roll my eyes just a bit. There were honestly only a couple other angel characters that I even gave a crap about or vamps for that matter.

Elena's friends Sara and Ransom were very interesting. I would do Ransom. Totes.

And yes, when Raphael defrosted and finally fell for Elena? Yum-E. That shit was hot and sweet. And lickable. Rawr

W: They're ANGELS, they're supposed to be sooo beautiful and rich and and ooooh, powerful and anyone would gladly drop their pants for them! Not that I, uh, would do that. Ahem. Anyhoo! I'm with you on the mob part but I also think that was pretty awesome and funny. I mean - A mob of angels? What are they going to do lynch me with their feathers? HA!

Ransom? Absolutely! SO deliciously bad boy! Sara was a great secondary character (Side note: In the anthology Must Love Hellhounds, there's her story and it's really good!)


B: Ooh, really? I only read the one by Ilona Andrews. Yeah, yeah, there are other authors. I KNOW PEOPLE. Anywho, I may have to check that out.

Alright fave part of the story? As in scene (like I can't guess) or just fave thing, like development or whatev.

W: When Raphael and Elena first meet on the top of the tower! That was AWESOME. And at the end when she notices you-know-what was great too. Honestly, the whole book was a favorite scene! Yours?


B: I loved the first love scene. And his possessiveness? Rawr. I know, that's not very evolved of me, but DAYUM! Also, I like Illium and her interactions with him. I loved the end battle and the ending in general was emotionally satisfying and showed how they both grew and evolved as characters.


W: And you tell me you didn't love this book! HA! Yes, you did. ADMIT IT.

B: I liked this book and I loved parts of it. I just preferred her psy/changeling series. But I honestly think that Nalini is incapable of writing a bad story :P

W: I haven't read her Psy/Changeling series. I know, I KNOW. I have to read it. But how could it be better than Angels' Blood? Impossible!

B: Ok, so since I read this one FOR YOU, then you have to read Slave to Sensation FOR ME, beyotch. Cuz you lurve me like a crack whore lurves crack

W: I do, I admit it. Dammit. Okay, I'll read it. But dude, I have SO many books to read! It might take me a while. Heh.

B: That's ok, baby. I'll wait for you ;)

We'll aim for next year to do another review of how much you LOVE Slave to Sensation.

W: What if I hate it? [Cue Psycho music]

B: Then I will let you beat me with your edible whip :P But you're not gonna hate it, promise. It's NALINI, you CAN'T hate it.

So, you're gonna be reviewing the next in the series, right?

W: Promises, promises! Hee. Yes! I'm so insanely excited to get Archangel's Kiss. I'm still all a-squeeing over it. SO EXCITED.

B: LOL, well I can't wait to read your review when it goes up. Do you know who it's featuring?

W: Honestly, I haven't even read the blurb for it! When I first heard about it, I just immediately add it to my wishlist and at the time there was no blurb. I just check Amazon for it and it seems like Lijuan's up to no good! (Note: If you haven't read Angels' Blood, don't read the blurb for Archangel's Kiss as it features a major spoiler! I hate it when they do that..)

B: LOL, then we'll all be waitin with bated breath for your review ;)

W: I will read it the minute it gets here! Have I mentioned I'm insanely excited? Yes? Oh, okay.

So about Angels' Blood - Any last minute thoughts?


B: I would rate it as a B+ and I would definitely recommend it for fans of paranormal and even UF.

Where would you rank it?

W: Absolutely A. It's a fantastic combination of Urban Fantasy with some hot, steamy lovin' and unforgettable characters.

B: Well, thanks, Wendy, for stopping by and chatting with me about Angels’ Blood. You even stayed awake the whole conversation :P

W: Anything for you, sweets. ;)

Seriously everyone, go check out Wendy's blog if you haven't already. She's a hottie with a crazy sense of humor and you'll love her.

You can buy this book here

Or here

Thanks for joining us! Muah!

It's Christmas Time Y'all !!!!!!!!

*edit: The contest is now closed*





So, it's Christmas time and I'm not having the best Christmas ever and I was thinking how I could make this a better Holiday season. Well, how about we go for broke? Excellent idea, self! I'm a go big or go home kinda chicky.

So, with that in mind and the fact that I'm still shocked that I have 60 followers, and I'm thinkin to my lil self, let's see how big we can get. Yes, I'm speaking in the royal "we." What the eff of it?

In the spirit of the Holidays (Hanukkah, Kwanza, Christmas, Winter Solstice, whatev) I am giving away, the set of these three lovely books:

Wicked Lovely (brand new, but cover is a lil dinged. Stupid bookstore)

Ink Exchange

Fragile Eternity


To win you have to be a follower of my blog and comment in the comments section telling your best holiday memory, plus what holiday you are celebrating at this time of year.

That's it.

Have at it lads and lasses and have fun.

Contest ends Christmas Eve 12/24/09 at 11:59 Pacific Time.

Muah and Happy Holidays!!!!

Upcoming Release

So, check out this yumminess. This book is on my want now list. It's coming out Dec. 29 and I can't wait for it.
My sis, who's an avid reader, but not into paranormal anything, saw the trailer and says she wants to read it now. It's sucking everyone in. Bwahahaha!
I love how wind blown and sweaty he looks. Very lickable ;)

If you want more info on this go to the author's website. There's even a link to read the first chapter.

Enjoy!

Fallen by Lauren Kate

First, let me just say that I am hating all these gorgeous YA covers out there. They are sucking me in like freakin Hoovers. And this cover? It sucked the hardest.
*sigh* I honestly think this cover almost tells a better story than the book itself does. Look at all that angst and dark beauty. It makes you wonder why she seems so devastated and why she's alone in a none-too-friendly lookin forest at twilight. Did some catty cheerleader steel this goth princess' prom date? Did she lose her lover? Did she find out some unbearable truth about her lover? Is she fallen or is someone she cares for? Is she going to raise her head from her lovely hands and have the Joker's face? These burning questions drove me to pick up this book even though I DON'T DO ANGELS. It's kinda my policy. And I broke it. For the goth princess. Was it worth it? Let's find out.

So, this book left me feeling frustrated and oddly fulfilled at the end. If I had written this review the minute I finished, I would have given it a 4 out of 5 or a B+. Then, a couple hours later, I got thinking about the holes in the plot, the improbability of sooo many things that happened or didn't happen, the questions raised and answers given and the ending and realized that in a different book I would definitely be giving a C. So where did I end up placing this book? I have to say, I went with a pretty solid B. And what makes this book a B? Let's discover shall we?

The feel of this book is a mix to me of Twilight, but darker and grittier, along with the movies Constantine and Hancock (sorta). Which ended up being a pretty great premise and mood for a book. It's dark and moody and angsty, yet not quite as full of angst as Twilight, thank heavens. I loved the whole, we've been together before, but it always ended badly and we can't do it again, you just don't remember it concept of the book. The battle for control of the lead character, Luce was also interesting and intriguing to watch and although I felt like it was supposed to be a battle of good vs. evil, none of the characters really screamed good or bad. They were more complex than that. A word of warning, the symbolism is thick in this book. In a way it was cool because it helped to weave a mood and feeling that set the tone of the book, but at times it was a bit suffocating.

The book raises a lot of questions during the telling of the story. Does it answer all of them? Hell, no. That's what the next 4 books (I'm presuming, I know) are gonna be for. Did I realize it was going to be a series? No. Was I shocked when I found out? Not really. Was I disappointed? Slightly. Will I pick up the next one? Most likely. You see, all those questions and the complexities of the characters are going to draw me back in. I can just feel it.

An annoyance I had with the book, though, was that the author seemed to contradict herself at times or cancel out things she had earlier said and that irritated me a bit. Also, the same thing would be repeated at different times and I felt like saying, "someone already explained this to her. How many times does she need to hear it?" And in a book like this where a certain kind of mood and feel is cultivated, a sudden change in tone of the book or a place with poor editing stands out like a sore thumb, so that was a little distracting in a couple places, too.

I heard someone complain in a review that Luce was just too bleh and obsessed too much with Daniel and let me just say that she is not nearly as bad as Bella. Not nearly. Also, there is some competition for her affections and the other guy was more interesting than the lead male and probably got more face time and definitely got more dialogue than the hero, Daniel.

I felt a little robbed because so much foreshadowing and allusion was used that I started to wonder all kinds of scenarios that were frankly a bit more interesting than what actually ended up happening. Plus the fact that we really didn't learn a lot at all. I felt more confused about some things at the end of the book than I did after reading the prologue. I understand that this is going to be a series (please God, not another "saga") but couldn't the author throw me a bigger bone than what she did?

And the school? Oy. It's supposed to be this tough ass reform school that suffocates you and sucks out your soul and yet everyone is running around with knives and booze and all sorts of fun stuff that Luce didn't even see at her former prep school. Everyone throws parties in their dorm room that would be the envy of P. Diddy and several students seem to come and go as they please. Basically the school is just a prop to create the right setting and feel for the story, but it's just another thing that had to be overlooked in order to get into the book.

You may have noticed by now that I've barely mentioned our hero and heroine, Luce and Daniel. Well, to be honest that's probably because the side characters and the setting were way more interesting and compelling than these two were. The prologue sets them up as pretty interesting, but they quickly run out of steam as the reader gets further into the book. As far as the epic romance between Luce and Daniel? *sigh* Here's where one of my biggest disappointments sets in. It had such potential to be truly epic. I mean, blowing Bella and Edward out the water, y'all, but it just was not developed well. Even the brief snippets of insight we got into their past and their feelings were contradictory at times and didn't always add up. In the end, we didn't even know how or why they fall in love in any lifetime. I understand wanting to leave loose ends for the next book, but honey, you gotta give us something. At least a why the hell would he fall from grace for her? Why would she love him so without remembering her past experiences? And most of all, the time they did spend in each lifetime seems so short, so what keeps them coming back through time to be together? To keep trying? I just kinda wanted something to make sense.

I can't say much more about the book, what I liked and didn't without giving too much away. All I can say is that it definitely is not perfect, but it is enjoyable. You will probably want to pick up the next one after you finish this one. When all is said and done, I don't regret reading this book. Despite my No Angels rule. I can honestly say I recommend this book if you're a fan of YA and like a story that is dark and a bit angsty. It won't be the best book you've read all year, but it won't be the worst.

Belated Thanks For a Group Effort

I was talkin to my twitter and blogging gf, Wendy, about her awesome new button and I realized that I never properly thanked all the people that helped me with mine.

First up on the list is the lovely Robin from Intense Whisper who actually designed it. Isn't she talented? Thanks Robin!
Next is the sweetest girlie evah. The cute as a button Larissa of Larissas Life helped me a lot with putting this thing up. After I struggled for hours to get it on the blog, cuz me and computers don't mix, I then accidentally erased a bunch of stuff and she salvaged it for me. It's more centered now, too, lol. Thanks sweetie.
Also, thanks go to Jojo at JoJosBookCorner who tried to help me, too.
Finally a big thanks and nomination for sainthood to Reece who is also known as @wedschilde on Twitter. She tirelessly helped me even when I was particularly dense. Muah! and ::hugs:: sweetie!

Hope you enjoy the button. I think it's awesome and I was just redamndiculously happy I made the damn box, lol.

Besos :)

I'm Feeling Maudlin Today

So I bring you some mood music.
Sober is a really moody and awesome vid, all dark and gothic. I think we can all relate to out of control behavior at some time in our lives even if it's not due to alcohol abuse.
I'm not into a lot of ballads, but Halo just moves me. It's a better song than a video, imho.
Flaws and All is, to me, a true love song. It's not all rose colored glasses and rainbows. It's more realistic. True love loves you....flaws and all.

Hope you enjoy my moody playlist

P!nk - New Music - More Music Videos

Beyoncé - New Music - More Music Videos

Beyoncé - New Music - More Music Videos

Kisses

Look What I Got Today

So, I want those boots. Almost as bad as the ones on Kim Harrison's Every Which Way But Dead.

The blurb for The Year of Living Shamelessly says this:

A red-hot romance of a good girl gone bad-from a winning voice in wickedly fun erotica.

Every year, Katie makes the same New Year's resolution: have an affair with her brother's kinky and wild best friend, Ryder. Every year, she faces the same disappointment. It doesn't help that her good-girl reputation can't stand up to the hot competition, or that Ryder's always seen Katie as just his friend's innocent little sister.

Until Katie makes the first move-and matches him, kink for kink. Because this year, Katie knows what she wants. And she's going to get it.

Show of hands: Who thinks this is gonna be a BDSM story? Cuz I do. Sounds yummy and fun doesn't it? I'll let ya know ;)

And Fallen by Lauren Kate. *sigh* I'm really sure this book is Twilight with Angels, but I just can't resist that cover. I showed it to hubby and he just shook his head. I said, "But what do you think of the cover?" And he says, "It's too much angst. It's oozing angst out of every pore." Then I did my excited dance. He just did more head shaking.

Besides, like I told E of bookpushers fame, Twilight with Angels could either be really awesome or awesomely bad and either way, I'm there.

The blurb for Fallen is:

There's something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.

Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price's attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He's the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.

Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce--and goes out of his way to make that very clear--she can't let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her.

Dangerously exciting and darkly romantic, Fallen is a page turning thriller and the ultimate love story.

These are my new pretties and I can't wait to dive in. I'll be lettin you know how it turns out. I'm sweet that way ;)

Kisses

Thank You and Winner Announcement

Hey all
Thanks to everyone who entered the contest for a copy of Three Days to Dead by Kelly Meding. Also a big WELCOME to all the new followers of the blog.
If you didn't win this one, don't fret, I'll be having more contests in the future so you'll have a chance to play again.

And now, the winner is Kittyism! E-mail me at brk.nlssn(at)gmail(dot)com with your shipping address. Congrats! And thanks for playing.

*note: If I do not hear from the winner by Sunday, I will do a redraw for the prize*

Teaser Thursday

So, Gentlemen Prefer Succubi by Jill Myles is coming out Dec. 29. Mark your calendars, this one looks fun and sexy.

Muah!

Example of a Great Short Story

Recently someone commented on my blog that they were trying to write a short story and were trying to remember what I didn't like about Mutual Desire (a collection of three short stories) so as not to make the same mistakes. Also, other comments said that a lot of people tend to shy away from short stories because they feel there isn't enough time for plot and character development.

To all of this I say, you have not read Silent Blade by Ilona Andrews.

This book is, to me, a great example of a well written short story. It is an entire story, with a start, a middle, and an end. Complete with character backstory and development all in a short story format. I can't tell you exact page count because it is an e-book, but it's not that long.

I loved this story. The characters are real, the world is real and the passion between them is fiery.

I truly recommend that everyone read this just for reading enjoyment alone, but I especially recommend that you read it if you are interested in writing, whether short or novel length stories. Ilona is a great example of what TO DO.

This story is a futuristic/scifi romance. Here is the blurb:

Old hatreds die hard. Old love dies harder.

On Meli Galdes’ home planet, the struggle for power is a bloody, full-contact sport—in business and on the battlefield. For years her lethal skills have been a valuable asset in advancing her family’s interests. She’s more than earned her right to retire, but her kinsmen have one last favor to ask.

Kill the man who ruined her life.

Celino Carvanna’s razor-sharp business acumen—and skills with a blade—won him the freedom to do as he pleases. There’s only one thing he can’t seem to control—his reaction to the mysterious woman who tantalizes his senses. Her eyes alone set his blood simmering, stirring ridiculous adolescent fantasies about breasts and honey. With a few words she dissects his soul. Who is she? And how does she slide so easily under his well-guarded skin?

It’s almost too easy to draw Celino within the kill zone. Meli plans to revel in him. Drink him in. Wring every drop of pleasure out of every moment.

And when she’s sure he belongs to her, she will finally repay a decade’s worth of pain—in a single, brutal dose of reality.

You can buy this e-book at most e-book sellers.

Like here

Or here

Besos ;)

Review of Skin Game by Ava Gray

Today we're going to look at Skin Game by Ava Gray which is a pen name for the author Ann Aquirre. This book is classified by Barnes and Noble as Paranormal Romance and Fantastic Romance. On the latter we are in agreement ;)

Let's start with a bit about the heroine.

Kyra is a con artist. That's right. No sugar coating. And she's not even a virgin. *gasp* So, she's not an innocent virgin blackmailed into conning people by some evil dude that lusts after her that she is just too principled and proud to ever succumb to.
Nope she likes to con people. She's good at it, too, as she's aided by her special gift. She touches someone and whatever they are best at becomes hers. Sounds awesome, right? Well, yes and no. She has this gift for an unspecified amount of time, it varies each time, and she doesn't know what gift she'll get. You can be a martial arts master or the world's best belcher. She doesn't know til she lays hands on ya and sucks your gift out. That's right, she takes it. For however long she has it, you don't.
Kyra also enjoys anonymous rolls in the hay with strangers she picks up on her travels. As a matter of fact she thinks our hero is a drifter when she first meets him and she can't get in his pants fast enough.
I liked Kyra for the most part. I thought for someone with a lot of trust issues and who showed a real good ability to judge people and situations, she was a little fast to trust Reyes so much. Then again he is her soul mate, so I suppose we can forgive that. She's feisty and tough and is not wigged out by violence or the need for it. I liked this about her a lot. She's a survivor. She's been on her own a long time with only one real friend in the world and she doesn't need anyone to take care of her. She's a pretty cool heroine all around.

Now let's discuss the hero, Reyes. Yep, that rustle of wind you just heard? That was all the ladies (and possibly some gents) sighing at the thought of Reyes.
Reyes is an assassin. Not just an assassin he is pretty much THE ASSASSIN. Which gets me all hot and bothered just thinking about. Not only is he a tough ass killer for hire with mad fighting skillz, but he has a conscience, too. That's right boys and girls, he is not an indiscriminate killer, which is what really sold him as the hero, in my opinion. He is the hotness. He his half Hispanic and half Native American and all yum. Sorry about the drool spots on this post.
Now what was I saying? Oh yeah, He's also a biter....

On to the plot.

So basically, Kyra cons the wrong man and Reyes is hired to track her down and kill her and bring back the stolen loot. When Reyes takes the job, Kyra is portrayed to him as a conniving bitch that killed her own dad to get a larger cut of the games they were running. So, Reyes figures he's justified in his actions and sets off after her. He catches up to her, but he can't just off her cuz he needs to know where she stashed the loot and the more time he spends with her the more suspicious he becomes that he was lied to about her. So now he's trying to find out the truth and figure out what to do. They make some enemies along the way, have some hot hot steamy lovin and kill some people and it's all good fun. But what will happen when Kyra finds out the truth? And what hope of a future do they have with their mutual pasts chasing after them?

Favorite scene.

So, without giving away too much, there is a scene where they have to kill a bunch of bad guys that totally had it coming. They're reaction to the situation and what happens after while they're making there get away? Well, let me just quote myself (cuz I'm that awesome) from Twitter and say:

"It was dark, dirty and wrong on so many levels and I lurved it."

That pretty much sums up the whole book, too. It's a great read, but if you're looking for psuedo badass heroes that don't actually hurt people or for missish heroines that don't ever do anything wrong and need a man to save her ass, then this book is not for you. If you love your sex hot and your action full throttle then you're gonna love this one.

My overall grade for Skin Game is an A-. It's not perfect, but it's pretty damned good.

You can buy this book here

Or here

Smooches ;)

Cover Love

That's right darlings, it's time again to show some cover love. This cover is just awesome! Has at the Bookpushers pointed this book out to me and now it is on my reading and blogging radar. I haven't found a blurb yet, but I'm loving the cover art and I'm guessing at plot just based on that :P

It's scheduled to be out in April, 2010.

What do you think? Look like something you'd want to read?

Kisses

Blog Post Rescheduled, A Review and A Contest

*note: contest is now closed. Thanks to all that entered*

Hey Kiddies, so because of some redamndiculous stuff that went down this weekend my review of Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr is being moved down the blogging schedule. However, since you all shouldn't have to pay for crap that aint yo fault and because I feel like giving shit away, I bring you a review and contest featuring this bit of hotness right here:



Isn't she pretty? Don't you love the coffee and cream skin? Isn't that navel made for a belly button ring? And that knife strapped to her thigh? Improbable, but freakin hot, right? *sigh*

Anyway, today I bring you my review of Three Days to Dead by Kelly Meding.

The protagonist, Evangeline Stone, is a hard ass bounty hunter that specializes in taking out Dregs, which are the supernaturals that are considered bad by the humans that know they exist. She kills things. She likes to kill things. She talks trash and she isn't known for her emotional connections. What I like about her is that yes, she is all those things, but she is also often compassionate, insightful, loyal and has a good sense of humor.

Evy is murdered in the course of her old life as a dreg bounty hunter and brought back to life, but she ends up in a stranger's body. When she wakes up, she remembers some things but the last three days before she died are a blur. She doesn't remember how she died and she knows she and her slain partners were set up. She needs answers and she sets out to find them pretty much from the moment she wakes up on a morgue table freaking the hell out of the chick about to perform an autopsy on her.

I have to admit, if I woke up from the dead with no recollection of how I died, no knowledge of who to trust and in some other (albeit hot) chick's bod, I would need a good five minutes to lose my shit, but Evy sizes up the situation determines the best course of action and sets out, never looking back. I dig that about her.

One issue I have with this book is the race war premise. For all Evy's compassion and insight, she pretty much figures that if you're not human you are bad and cannot be trusted and for a lot of the book supernatural creatures are portrayed that way. She does make a few exceptions, but is quick to look down on them or distrust them. I do feel that by the end of the book, her views had broadened and she was willing to believe that some other races had good and bad members, but there is still a sweeping characterization that some species are just evil. Wholly. That one's tough for me, because humans in the book weren't always trust worthy either and I feel like there are usually good and bad members of every species. This; however, is part of the author's poetic license and I respect her right to tell her story her way. The ending does leave hope for the next book to have more interactions with supes that were once considered bad.

The other issue I had was that not all of humanity knows about the existence of Dregs and the fight against them is carried out in secret. I don't know y'all, maybe I missed something, but there were some crazy ass happenings and knock down drag out fights with knives and guns and funky colored blood and furry creatures and you're telling me no one notices this shit? Maybe I missed the paragraph or sentence that explains that they are all invisible. ::shrugs::

I did like how the world is populated by all kinds of supernatural creatures. There's more here than just your standard vamps and weres. You have your Bridge Trolls, and goblins and Vampires and Gargoyles and Sprites and Elves. The list goes on and each species has it's own mythology that gets explored a bit which is fun, but a bit long winded at times, too.

I felt the writing was good, but a few times in flashbacks it felt a bit inconsistent. This could also be because she was basically remembering a different life and a different self or it could be because it's a debut book. Either way, I feel the author has a lot of potential and I will definitely be checking out the next book that is supposed to come out in Summer 2010.

You'll like this book if you enjoy lots of supernatural creatures, action, a bit of mystery, and a light sprinkling of romance. It is a bit gritty and may be a little disturbing in some places for some people so if you don't like blood guts and gore with a bit of torture then you may not like this one.

Three Days to Dead gets a solid B rating from me. It was enjoyable and has great potential for a good UF series. I had some issues and rolled my eyes in a couple spots, but I think it was worth reading and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the genre.

You can buy this book here

Or here

Now for the contest part.

I am giving away a brand new copy of Three Days to Dead by Kelly Meding.

All you have to do to win is be a follower of my blog and leave a comment on this post. That's it. Contest is international, too. I don't care where ya live as long as it's on planet Earth ;)
*edited to add: contest will run through Thursday 12/10. Winner will be announced in Friday's post.*

Smooches

Coping

So, when people or situations in life annoy the ever loving goodness out of you, how do you cope? Avoiding them is out of the question. Every time you turn around the person and/or the situation is there. Smiling like some undead smarmy asshole that just won't take "no" for a an answer.
So, how do you deal? Do you read more or less? Do you watch a funny movie? Do you write a story where that person is the villain and dies in the end at the hand of the uber hunky hero? What is your special way of dealing with crap situations and people that just can't be got away from?

Mutual Desire- Review

*disclaimer* I bought this book. Ok, onto the review:

So, I picked up Mutual Desire by Donna Grant hoping for an entertaining and steamy read. The book is comprised of three erotic short stories all written by Donna Grant.

Let's begin at the beginning, shall we?

The first story is called Spellbound. Here is the blurb:

Kate is a Scottish temptress who wants nothing but her freedom. When she is married against her will to a powerful laird, she vows to deny him---until his scorching touch unleashes primal urges she cannot control....

Sounds good, right? Hot lil Scottish number and her scorching hot lovah. Yeah, not so much.

Keep in mind these are short stories. We get 91 pages in this story to fall in love with the characters and story and the hot hot smexin.
The first 15 pages are mostly Kate's internal dialogue of what a docile and obedient daughter she is, but yet she's totally fiery, so stand back ye who would screw her. And her daddy definitely done screwed her. Homegirl be on her third marriage. Her first two were old farts that croaked shortly after the marriages. Some bitches get all the luck. Or so she thinks, but then daddy dearest up and marries her to some brutish Highlander that doesn't even show up for the wedding by proxy. Homegirl be pissed. So, I'm like, Yeah, there's gonna be fireworks when these two meet so bring on the confrontation. Well, 15 pages later and no confrontation, no flipping Highlander even and she's going back and forth in her mind between dreaming of a time when woman shall have the vote, or at least don't have to marry no stinkin Highlander against her will, to being all *sigh* I gave my word, I am well and truly stuck in this marriage. Pick a lane sista. In the immortal words of Peter Griffin, "I'm bored with it now." At this point I was like just get to the fizznukin or even a fight. *sigh*
When we finally meet the new hubby, he is somewhat less than charming and the couple contemplates an annulment, then in the tradition of men before him, our hero, Ewan, decides the best couples therapy is to fuck like bunnies. Even the smex bored me. I kinda felt like it was cut and paste from so many other sex scenes I'd read before. Just kinda....blah. My favorite quote from our intrepid hero is after they have mind blowing sex and he's decided they're meant to be. All based on this little gem: "She had opened herself to him, and in doing so, made his climax marvelous." Aww, Ewan, you romantic devil, you. He has also decided at this point of knowing her for a couple hours, some of them spent apart and some in bed, that "their passion would never wane." Le sigh.

The second story is titled Enthralled. Let's see what delights await us, shall we?

The beautiful Linarra is sent to her tribe's archenemy as a peace offering, her body to be used as his sexual plaything. Once her new master claims her, Linarra discovers insatiable cravings that send her to the brink of wild ecstasy....

Let me just say, Linarra had a lot going for her as a character. She's feisty, loyal, pretty tough, and she's sexy as hell. Falcor, our hero, is pretty cool, too. A fair and strong King and easy on the eyes. The plot is better than the last and yet it's full of so many cliches. She rolled out of a rug. They flippin ripped off Cleopatra! And then he drugs and ties her to the bed so he can rape.....er force her to tell him all her secrets. FOR HER OWN GOOD! Naturally. The sex was hotter in this one, but I didn't really buy the emotional bond that much. I don't know. And for some badass warrior king, he got hisself pwned in the big fight scene. ::shrug:: Whatevs

Moving on to the third and final entry, titled Enchanted (I'm sensing a theme here)

Blurb says:

During an Amazonian adventure, willful Princess Arian is kidnapped and presented as an erotic prize for a jungle warlord, who turns her captivity into a sensual journey that awakens her body's most carnal demands...

I'm just gonna say, I've watched too much National Geographic to read this one. It starts out with the improbable situation of a Princess from some unnamed country off on a grand 'ole adventure of exploring the Amazon. I could deal with that. Then she's kidnapped by local warriors. Sure whatever. Then we meet the hero and get a glimpse of what's going on with him. So, he's an adventurer that found some treasure in the jungle, but gave it to some tribe, cuz it was theirs all along. Okeydokey. So they made him an honorary elder and he's been squatting with them for four years. I guess now that he's an elder he's hot stuff for the tribal ladies and four years in a jungle with no Skinemax can take it's toll, so he "relieves himself" now and then with the local women. OMG! Have you seen a National Geographic episode on jungle tribes? HAVE YOU SEEN THE WOMEN?! No offense to my jungle bred sistas, but hell the fuck NO! Uh uh. If you've been all over that, you aint gettin all over me. Not to mention the crap story that he met the Princess 4 years ago in the yet again unnamed country and fell madly in love in just one meeting. He then describes her to the local yocals and they see her frolicking through the jungle and decide to nab her as a big 'ol thank you to their white brother. Yeah, I'm not feeling it.

In conclusion, I'm not really sure how to rate this book. I didn't technically finish it, but I did finish 2 out of 3 stories, so that's gotta count for something, right? Based on the stories I read, I would have to go with a C grade. It's pretty standard reading. Enjoyable enough if you overlook a lot, but nothing to write home about. And to be fair, I may be the only one who doesn't want no jungle lovin with the tribal ladies. So, if you're cool with that than I can recommend this book to be mildly entertaining, but rather forgettable.

You can order this book here
Or here


Kisses

Upcoming Review and Contest

Ok, my lovelies, keep your eyes peeled (ewww) for my upcoming review of Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr and a chance to win a copy of your very own. It should be posted on Tuesday, 12/8. Good news is it's gonna be totes easy to enter, cuz I'm lazy.

Muah!

My 4 y.o. won't stop singing this song

These really are addictive songs and if you have kids they will want to sing them CONSTANTLY. But it's cute, too :P

Cuz I'm A Tease

Just a little teaser announcement. I hope you guys will be stopping by my blog around May. You know, around the time that Magic Bleeds comes out. *hint hint* Cuz I hope to have something fun for you all then.

Ok, back to the regularly scheduled programming.

Mwah!

YA Ambitions

Alright, kiddies, I have fallen off the reading wagon. *gasp* I know, I know, inconceivable!
I have been under a lot of stress and my head just hasn't been in a good place. Usually I read when I'm sick, well, happy, sad, energetic, tired.....basically all the damn time. So you know something's wrong when I just....stop.

But, huzzah! Good news! I have recently become excited about reading all over again! As evidenced by my profuse use of exclamation points!

And I thought to myself how everyone's been harping.....er talking about all the great YA books out there. I have to be honest, I'm not very experienced in the way of the YA. I know, shocking, right? I mean I've read The Twilight Saga, but then again who the fuck hasn't? Beyond Twilight Saga and The Poison Study series by Maria V. Snyder, I really haven't read any other YA novels.

Well that's all about to change my friends.

I have compiled a list of books that I have challenged my self to read and review this month. Can you guess what genre? Noooo, not pygmy lovers through history, sillies. Why it's YA! So without further ado I bring you my December reading list.

1) Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klaus

2) Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

3) Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater because she won't shut up about it

4) Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev---- yes I'm shallow, I lurve this cover

5) My Soul To Take by Rachel Vincent

6) Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

7) Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr

8) Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr--- again a beautiful cover

9) Fallen by Lauren Kate-- beautiful cover, I don't care if it's Twilight with Angels or not. I want it on my shelf.

10) Graceling by Kristin Cashore--- another gorgeous cover

Whew, pray for me guys. My reading muscles haven't been used that much lately and they're kinda flabby. Here's hoping they're up to the task ahead. If not then you may ridicule me ceaselessly as I'm sure you will.

Kisses ;)

Massive Cover Love

Ta Da! The wonderful Ilona Andrews said I could post the cover here for all of us to drool over. I am so frickin excited! This cover is teh Awesome! You do not even know.

Ok, deep breath. If you all have not read the Kate Daniels series yet, you know who you are ::cough KC cough:: you need to getcha ass down to the bookstore and getcha some of the hawtness that is Kate and Curran. And oh yeah, Ilona is a great author and all around sweetheart so there's that, too.

I'm gonna go drool some more....

Oh, and follow Ilona and Gordon at their blog Ilona Andrews

Honestly, you'll love them.